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E-cigarettes and Other Vaping Products

E-cigarettes are battery-powered devices that allow users to inhale, or vape, aerosolized liquid (e-juice). E-cigarettes, “vapes”, vape or hookah pens, e-pipes, and other vaping products recently surpassed conventional cigarettes as the most commonly used tobacco product among youth so it is critical that public health officials and the general public understand the potential risks of using them.

Youth e-cigarette use is an emerging public health threat.

Among Minnesota’s 11th grade students, e-cigarette use is now more than double conventional cigarette use.

Additionally, nearly 6 percent of adults currently use e-cigarettes, compared to less than 2 percent in 2010; and, nearly 13 percent of adults age 18-24 use e-cigarettes. The use of multiple tobacco products – dual use – is common: most adult e-cigarette users use cigarettes.

E-cigarettes are not safe for youth.

Nearly all e-cigarettes contain nicotine. Nicotine is highly addictive and can harm the developing adolescent brain. Because the brain is still developing until about age 25, youth and young adult exposure to nicotine can lead to addiction and disrupt attention and learning. No amount of nicotine is safe for youth.

Nearly one in four of Minnesota high school students who has tried e-cigarettes has never tried any conventional tobacco products. A growing body of evidence indicates that young people who have never smoked cigarettes, but currently use e-cigarettes, are more likely to smoke cigarettes in the future than are young people who do not use e-cigarettes.

E-cigarettes attract kids despite the dangers.

E-cigarettes are available in fruit and candy flavors; flavored tobacco products appeal to youth.

E-cigarettes are sometimes advertised using celebrity endorsements. A majority of Minnesota high school students (57.4%) have seen ads for e-cigarettes on TV in the past 30 days.

E-cigarettes are available for purchase online.

E-cigarettes are not proven to help people quit smoking.

E-cigarettes are not FDA-approved smoking quitting aids, and they are not proved to help people quit. Free quitting medications and counseling are available to all Minnesotans by visiting QUITPLAN® Services at www.quitplan.com or by calling 1-888-354-PLAN (7526).

Minnesota communities are taking action to protect kids.

Some schools, universities, and government and health care facilities prohibit e-cigarette use. Minnesota law also requires that e-cigarettes are taxed as tobacco products, and retailers in Minnesota cannot sell e-cigarettes to minors.

Cities and counties around the state have passed provisions restricting e-cigarette use indoors, protecting over half the state’s population from e-cigarette aerosols in bars, restaurants, and other public places.